“At the Emperor’s court… history comes to life!”

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14th edition · Brindisi, Italy · 2026

Frederick II and the Wedding of East and West

Brindisi brings its medieval age back to life: parades, animated visits, crafts and flavours in the places where, on 9 November 1225, the imperial wedding of Frederick II and Isabella of Brienne was celebrated.

WhereBrindisi - Casa del Turista - seafront
When28-29 August and 4-5 September 2026
CostFree activities; some require booking

The 2026 programme

The 14th edition takes place on 28-29 August and 4-5 September 2026 between the Casa del Turista, the seafront and the historic sites of Brindisi.

Four days of re-enactment and participation: the animated visits “In the footsteps of Frederick II”, the Village of Crafts and Flavours with tastings, ancient crafts and music, the treasure hunt among the monuments, talks with historians and the medieval playroom for families. Detailed times and bookings are being finalised and will be published on the programme page.

See the programme

What you will find

  • Re-enactors in historical costume during the parade

    Historical re-enactment

    The parade and the imperial court

    Costumed parades and court scenes re-enact the 1225 imperial wedding in the historic heart of the city.

    See the programme
  • Historical encampment at the San Giacomo Bastion

    Animated visits

    In the footsteps of Frederick II

    Guided tours animated by actors and re-enactors, with special openings of sites normally closed to the public.

    Discover the venues
  • Food preparations inspired by historical cuisine

    Flavours and crafts

    The Village of Crafts and Flavours

    Themed tastings, ancient crafts, music and performances at the Casa del Turista, the medieval pilgrims’ house.

    See the programme
  • Children and families watching a street performance

    Children and families

    Medieval playroom and workshops

    Puppet theatre, storytellers, themed games and hands-on workshops on medieval crafts.

    Family information

True history, told well

On 9 November 1225, in Brindisi Cathedral, Emperor Frederick II married Isabella of Brienne, Queen of Jerusalem. The festival tells this story with rigour, always distinguishing historical reconstruction from theatrical storytelling.

Read the historical background

2025: the 800th anniversary

In 2025 the festival celebrated the 800th anniversary of the imperial wedding, with animated visits to the Swabian Castle, the Village of Crafts and Flavours, video mapping and a lecture by historian Alessandro Barbero.

Browse the 2025 archive